Support In Japan Still Needed; Appreciated

Norimasa Kobayashi, an assistant professor at Tokyo Institute of Technology, recently published a paper entitled, "Lessons to the Learned from Japan's Disaster on March 11."  The paper was so compelling and insightful, we have made it available for our supporters to download.  As a person both involved in disaster relief and also Japanese, he gives us a unique look at how the Japanese culture and citizens view the non-profit sector and how great their needs are. 

In Japan, where the earthquake and subsequent tsunami eradicated entire cities, the need for assistance came quickly.  The paper written by Kobayashi outlines Japan's infrastruture and preparations for such an event, and how this particular disaster surpassed all expectations.

He writes, "The reduction of transaction cost has the power to create a whole new market. Japan has not had the mainstream tradition of private donation. The nonprofit sector in economy is far less significant than that in the west. I hope and am quite confident that the donation systems this time stimulate the Japanese to become the donating citizens. The government should support this fully via tax benefits and other ways."

He indicates that social media played a prominent role in the assistance that has been received.  "At a much larger scale, it is easier than ever before for us the world citizens to be connected information-wise or financially ... I sincerely hope and thank you very much for whatever support you may give to the victims, may it be warm words or money."